Pastor explains why Jesus' words in Luke sound like a contradiction

Saturday

Question: Please explain the apparent contradiction between Luke 17:20 and 21:11. Will we see the kingdom of Heaven come or not? - Rory Johnston, Las Vegas, Nev.

Answer: Luke 17:20 in the King James says, "When he (Jesus) was demanded of the Pharisee

Question: Please explain the apparent contradiction between Luke 17:20 and 21:11. Will we see the kingdom of Heaven come or not?

- Rory Johnston,

Las Vegas, Nev.

Answer: Luke 17:20 in the King James says, "When he (Jesus) was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation" (parenthesis added). That last word in the original language literally means "inspection," or something you can see with your eyes. So, Jesus was saying, "God's kingdom isn't something you can see."

Later, Jesus' disciples asked him about the coming kingdom, and Jesus said in Luke 21:11 that it would be accompanied by "fearful sights and great signs." I agree: This certainly sounds like it could be a contradiction with what he said previously.

However, I believe the resolution lies in understanding the two audiences to whom Jesus was speaking and the two kinds of kingdoms. In Luke 17:20 Jesus was answering the Pharisees who were his enemies. They were unsaved and, therefore, unspiritual. They were always trying to trap Jesus. After Jesus performed the amazing miracle of healing 10 leprous men, the Pharisees "demanded" of Jesus a question intended to discredit him. His answer to them was that they couldn't see the spiritual reign of God because he reigns in the hearts of his subjects (verse 21). This is the same answer he gave Nicodemus in John 3:3, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus didn't understand the spiritual kingdom of God until he allowed the Holy Spirit to give him new life by faith in Jesus. The unspiritual can never understand spiritual things.

In Luke 21 Jesus was answering the questions of his followers who were already saved because they believed Jesus to be the promised Messiah. They were asking about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the end of this age. Jesus said that would be preceded by visible signs. Some of those signs are listed in Luke 21 and Matthew 25. We know they will precede the coming of Jesus who will then set up his Millennial Reign on earth. Those who enter that physical kingdom must have already invited King Jesus to reign spiritually in their hearts by faith. The great signs and wonders which precede Jesus' return are for the unsaved in hopes that they will repent and turn to God before it's too late. When Jesus starts his descent, all decisions for Christ will be locked in place with no opportunity to change then. "I wish we'd all been ready!"

- Dr. Tom Lovorn is pastor of God's Storehouse Baptist Church in Richmond, and writes a weekly column on religion for The Progress-Index. You may send your Bible questions to Dr. Tom in care of the above newspaper or via his web site at www.tomlovorn.us

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Submit Content

Market Place

Social Media

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The Progress-Index ~ 15 Franklin Street, Petersburg, VA 23803 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service